Coreopsis tinctoria

Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.

Plains coreopsis, Golden tickseed, Goldenwave, Calliopsis

Synonym(s):

A slender, 1-2 ft. annual with pinnately-compound foliage, tickseed is known for its small but abundant yellow flowers, painted maroon near the center. Numerous smooth, slightly angled branches bearing showy, daisy-like flower heads with yellow rays surrounding a reddish-purple central disk. The yellow petals are notch-tipped. Flower heads occur on long stalks from the multi-branching stems.

This prevailingly western annual has escaped from cultivation in the East. It is widespread in the West and the South in disturbed areas, such as moist ditches. Because of its showiness, the flower is cultivated extensively, hence its common name.

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade Soil Moisture: Moist CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium Soil Description: Prefers moist, sandy soil. Conditions Comments: Coreopsis tinctoria produces showy masses of red-highlighted yellow flowers. It does well in wildflower meadows and predominates in wet years. Though considered an annual, it may bloom two to three years before dying.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental and is escaping. It is sometimes known in the horticultural trade as calliopsis. Use Wildlife: Nectar-Bees Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds Use Food: Flowers boiled in water makes a red liquid used as a beverage. Use Medicinal: Amerindians used root tea for diarrhea and as an emetic. Dried tops in a tea to strengthen blood. Boiled plant to make a drink for internal pains and bleeding. Use Other: Was used for a source of yellow and red dyes. Conspicuous Flowers: yesNectar Source: yesDeer Resistant: High

Propagation

Propagation Material: Clump Division , Seeds Description: Seeds may be sown outside in late fall or the following spring without any cold treatment. Seedlings grow rapidly. This plant can be increased by separating outer rosettes from the clump in the fall. Seed Collection: Nutlets are mature and ready for collection about four weeks after the flowers wither. Watch the inner series of bracts; when they begin to darken, it is time to collect. Remove chaff and store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Storage life is at least three years. Seed Treatment: Seeds of this genus generally germinate without pretreatment. Several studies have indicated that light increases germination. From this observation, we suggest not covering the soil. Commercially Avail: yesMaintenance: Since C. tinctoria is an annual, be sure to allow the seed to mature completely before mowing or collecting seed to plant in a new area. Again, it is essential it is allowed to reseed for an abundant display the following year.

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